Selective loss of MEG3 expression and intergenic differentially methylated region hypermethylation in the MEG3/DLK1 locus in human clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

ABSTRACT:

Context

MEG3 is an imprinted gene encoding a novel noncoding RNA that suppresses tumor cell growth. Although highly expressed in the normal human pituitary, it is unknown which of the normal pituitary cell types and pituitary tumors express MEG3.

Objectives

Our objectives were 1) to investigate cell-type- and tumor-type-specific expression of MEG3 in the human pituitary and 2) to investigate whether methylation in the intergenic differentially methylated region (IG-DMR) at the DLK1/MEG3 locus is involved in the loss of MEG3 expression in tumors.

Design and methods

RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, Northern blot, and a combination of in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence were used to determine the cell-type- and tumor-type-specific MEG3 expression. Bisulfite treatmen

SUBMITTER: Gejman R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2579639 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature